U.S. patent application number 13/649341 was filed with the patent office on 2013-04-18 for portable gas scrubber with sensor.
The applicant listed for this patent is Gus Martin, Gary Morgan, Henry B. Schur. Invention is credited to Gus Martin, Gary Morgan, Henry B. Schur.
Application Number | 20130092029 13/649341 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48085083 |
Filed Date | 2013-04-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130092029 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Morgan; Gary ; et
al. |
April 18, 2013 |
Portable Gas Scrubber With Sensor
Abstract
This invention relates to a portable odor scrubber system that
is inserted into a sewer manhole or lift station where vaporous
odors are prone to escape into the external environment. The
invention controls such odors which may be caused by hydrogen
sulfide, ammonia, mercaptan and other vapors which smell bad and
can pose a severe health hazard. The invention has an automatic gas
sensor trigger mechanism to control a fan to pull the noxious fumes
through a series of scrubbers and to discharge treated air into the
environment. Scrubber units may be easily replaced as well as
designated to treat different environmental conditions. The
invention can also store and transmit gas data information to an
offsite location to monitor conditions where the portable odor
scrubber system is located.
Inventors: |
Morgan; Gary; (North
Wichita, KS) ; Schur; Henry B.; (Hallandale Beach,
FL) ; Martin; Gus; (North Wichita, KS) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Morgan; Gary
Schur; Henry B.
Martin; Gus |
North Wichita
Hallandale Beach
North Wichita |
KS
FL
KS |
US
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
48085083 |
Appl. No.: |
13/649341 |
Filed: |
October 11, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61546198 |
Oct 12, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
96/111 ;
96/135 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01D 2257/90 20130101;
B01D 53/30 20130101; B01D 2259/455 20130101; E03F 5/08
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
96/111 ;
96/135 |
International
Class: |
B01D 53/30 20060101
B01D053/30 |
Claims
1. A device to be nested inside a manhole for removing harmful gas
and odors entrained in air residing downhole comprising, a filter
module having a filter module top and a filter module bottom, said
filter module bottom having a plurality of apertures and a
filtration media located intermediate said filter module top and
said filter module bottom, a fan module having a fan module top and
a fan module bottom, said fan module top having a fan centrally
mounted thereon, said fan further having a center passage, a power
module having a power module top and a power module bottom, said
power module having a center passage, said power module bottom
removably connected to said fan module top, and said fan module
bottom removably connected to said filter module top, whereby when
said fan is actuated, a pressure differential causes the harmful
gas and odors to enter said filter module through said plurality of
apertures, the harmful gas and odors are removed as they pass
through said filter media cleaning the air, and the then cleaned
air passes through said fan module center passage and further
through the power module central passage, where the cleaned air
exits into the environment.
2. A device to be nested inside a manhole for removing harmful gas
and odors entrained in air residing downhole as claimed in claim 1,
including a harmful gas detector, said harmful gas detector located
downhole, said harmful gas detector able to detect the harmful gas
in air at a preset level.
3. A device to be nested inside a manhole for removing harmful gas
and odors entrained in air residing downhole as claimed in claim 2
wherein said harmful gas detector is connected to a controller, and
said harmful gas detector is able to send a first signal to said
controller when the harmful gas exceeds said preset level.
4. A device to be nested inside a manhole for removing harmful gas
and odors entrained in air residing downhole as claimed in claim 3
wherein when said controller receives said first signal from said
harmful gas detector that the harmful gas exceeds said preset
level, said controller actuates said fan.
5. A device to be nested inside a manhole for removing harmful gas
and odors entrained in air residing downhole as claimed in claim 4
wherein said harmful gas detector is able to send a second signal
to said controller, said second signal indicating said harmful gas
is below said preset level, and when said controller receives said
second signal from said harmful gas detector, said controller
de-actuates said fan.
6. A device to be nested inside a manhole for removing harmful gas
and odors entrained in air residing downhole as claimed in claim 5
including a differential pressure sensor, said differential
pressure sensor able to detect the difference in pressure between
said filter module bottom and said filter module top.
7. A device to be nested inside a manhole for removing harmful gas
and odors entrained in air residing downhole as claimed in claim 6
wherein said differential pressure sensor includes a second
connection to said controller, and said differential pressure
sensor is able to send a third signal to said controller when the
differential pressure exceeds a second preset level.
8. A device to be nested inside a manhole for removing harmful gas
and odors entrained in air residing downhole as claimed in claim 7
wherein when said controller is further connected to a first
transceiver and when said controller receives said third signal
from said differential pressure sensor, said controller actuates
said first transceiver.
9. A device to be nested inside a manhole for removing harmful gas
and odors entrained in air residing downhole as claimed in claim 8
wherein first transceiver is in communication with a second
transceiver, said second transceiver is located at a location
distant from said device.
10. A device to be nested inside a manhole for removing harmful gas
and odors entrained in air residing downhole as claimed in claim 9
wherein when said first transceiver is actuated by said third
signal, said first transceiver sends said second transceiver a
fourth signal, said fourth signal indicating that said filter
module needs replacement.
11. A device to be nested inside a manhole for removing harmful gas
and odors entrained in air residing downhole as claimed in claim 10
including a battery, a battery sensor, and a battery recharger,
said battery sensor connected to said battery and said controller,
and said battery recharger connected to said battery, said battery
sensor sends a fifth signal to said controller when said battery
requires recharging, and said controller sends a sixth signal said
battery recharger, actuating said battery recharger and recharging
said battery.
12. A device to be nested inside a manhole for removing harmful gas
and odors entrained in air residing downhole as claimed in claim 11
wherein said power module includes said battery recharger, said
rechargeable battery, said rechargeable battery powers said fan,
said differential pressure sensor, said battery sensor and said
first transceiver.
13. A device to be nested inside a manhole for removing harmful gas
and odors entrained in air residing downhole as claimed in claim 12
wherein said second transceiver sends said first transceiver
interrogatory signal, said interrogatory signal interrogating said
controller as to the current status of said device components
selected from the group consisting of said controller, said
battery, said battery sensor, said battery recharger, said first
transceiver, said filtration media, said harmful gas detector, and
said differential pressure sensor.
14. A device to be nested inside a manhole for removing harmful gas
and odors entrained in air residing downhole comprising, a fan
module, a filter module, said filter module having filtration
substances housed within disposable cartridges, an air pathway
interconnecting said disposable cartridges and said fan module,
said filter module having gas inlet holes integral with said air
pathway, said air pathway having an exhaust flute, said device
having a power module to power a fan in said air pathway of said
fan module, whereby said fan creates a low pressure zone causing
said harmful gas and odors to pass through said filtration
substances removing said harmful gas and odors from the air and
further causing the air to be exhausted into the environment
through said air pathway.
15. A device to be nested inside a manhole for removing harmful gas
and odors entrained in air residing downhole as claimed in claim 14
including a harmful gas detector, said harmful gas detector located
downhole, said harmful gas detector able to detect the harmful gas
in air at a preset level, said harmful gas detector causing said
fan to actuate when the harmful gas exceeds said preset level, and
said harmful gas detector further causing said fan to deactivate
when the harmful gas goes below said preset level.
16. A device to be nested inside a manhole for removing harmful gas
and odors entrained in air residing downhole as claimed in claim 15
including a differential pressure sensor, said differential
pressure sensor able to detect the difference in pressure between
said filter module and said fan module.
17. A device to be nested inside a manhole for removing harmful gas
and odors entrained in air residing downhole as claimed in claim 16
wherein when said differential pressure sensor detects a
differential pressure between said filter module and said fan
module which exceeds a preset pressure value, said differential
pressure sensor causes a signal to be transmitted to a remote
monitoring location, said signal indicating that said disposable
cartridges need to be changed.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS, PRIORITY
[0001] This utility Non-provisional patent application claims
priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
61/546,198 filed on Oct. 12, 2011.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to gas scrubbers which aid in odor
control. More specifically, a gas scrubber system is incorporated
into a sewer manhole or lift station.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In underground sewage and drainage tunnels, all types of
waste, debris, fertilizers, and other matter become entrained in
water and perhaps other fluids, causing them to decay. This decay
of matter exudes gas, vapors and odors. In addition to the foul
smell, some gases may be hazardous to health, while others may be
flammable. Some of these gases include, but may not be limited to,
hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, mercaptan, ammonia, methane as
well as the con-commitment exudate of decaying organic matter. Any
type of particle, if small enough, will easily be airborne as well.
These underground sewage and drainage tunnels are present in most
if not all cities of any size, all over the world. The water and
other fluids flow eventually to a water treatment plant where after
comprehensive remediation, the water will be released back into the
environment. All though the underground sewage and drainage tunnels
are access points and other areas where workmen may have to gain
access to the tunnels from the surface. These manhole covers and
lift stations are ubiquitous.
[0004] The hydrogen sulfide, besides being a toxic gas, also act as
a highly corrosive agent especially to concrete which is used to
manufacture the sewage tunnels and the manhole access tunnels. By
removing this gas, the lifetime of the sewage infrastructure would
be increased which would bring savings to the municipalities and
their agents which are tasked to maintain them.
[0005] The odorous gasses and fumes may also, if not treated, add
to the carbon released into the atmosphere and contribute to
climate change. The instant invention is designed to be placed down
a manhole cover or other subterranean access point, and permit the
remediation of the gasses, fumes, vapors and entrained particles,
by employing a series of filters and scrubbers in series, removing
the harmful gasses, fumes, vapors and entrained particles in a safe
and environmentally friendly way.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The invention is directed to an air filtering scrubbing
apparatus which may be placed down a manhole into a sewage system
line. The apparatus includes a plurality of stacked
filtration/scrubbing units, further connected to a fan unit, which
in turn is connected to a power unit. A plurality of electrical,
power, control and communication (SCADA) devices are incorporated
therein. When the fan is activated, the contaminated air from the
sewage system line is pulled up through the stacked
filtration/scrubbing units removing unhealthy gasses and vapors,
malodorous smells, and entrained fine particles. The fan may be
selectively activated when a gas sensor indicates the concentration
of specific gasses exceeds a certain preset limit. This permits the
stacked filtration/scrubbing units to have an extended lifetime,
therefore they will require less frequent replacement. After the
contaminated air passes through the stacked filtration/scrubbing
units, the remediated air is then pushed by the fan above ground,
where it mixes with the air in the environment. The apparatus is
supported above the manhole by any of a variety of means. The
apparatus may transmit data to an off site monitoring station,
which would inform the proper authorities of any maintenance or
malfunction, when the filter/scrubber units should be changed, the
state of the battery, and time data logging of when the scrubbing
apparatus had been employed. The apparatus may be powered by
conventional means or by solar/wind power. The apparatus prevents
untreated sewage line air from contaminating the air in the
environment. The present invention or embodiments thereof have
application in manhole odor control, industrial odor control, waste
water odor control, odor control for lift stations and odor control
for pump stations. The term odor control also includes the removal
of hazardous gasses, corrosive gasses, undesirable gasses, as well
as the removal of particulates.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] Preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be
described with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a cut away side view of the portable odor scrubber
system with sensor for use in conjunction with sewer manholes, lift
station or the like.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a cut away side view of the stacked filtering and
scrubbing elements which form a portion of the portable odor
scrubber system with sensor for use in conjunction with sewer
manholes, lift station or the like.
[0010] FIG. 2a is a bottom view of the portable odor scrubber
system with sensor for use in conjunction with sewer manholes, lift
station or the like.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a cut away side view of the fan portion of the
portable odor scrubber system with sensor for use in conjunction
with sewer manholes, lift station or the like, showing the gas
sensor, power supplies to both the fan and the sensor, as well as a
tapered wall below the fan.
[0012] FIG. 3A is a top view taken along lines 3A-3A of FIG. 3,
showing the fan, fan mounting means, and the gas sensor with it's
associated power line.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a cut away side view of the upper portion of the
portable odor scrubber system with sensor for use in conjunction
with sewer manholes, lift station or the like showing the power
input, the power converter and the battery power source for
powering the fan to cause the scrubbed and filtered air to be
removed through the exhaust flute.
[0014] FIG. 4A is a top view of the portable odor scrubber system
with sensor for use in conjunction with sewer manholes, lift
station or the like.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the relationship of the
power system, multiple sensors, sensor integration for fan control,
data storage and logging and communication elements for
communicating the status of multiple elements of the portable odor
scrubbing system to an off site monitoring facility.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0016] Referring now to FIG. 1, a side view of portable odor
scrubber system 10 is shown. In one embodiment, the portable odor
scrubber system 10 would be placed in the manhole as a substitution
or addition to a modified manhole cover, so that vehicles and the
like may pass over without damaging the invention. In a perspective
view, the scrubber system would be cylindrical and have a rugged
outer shell 11. The rugged outer shell 11 would be waterproof
non-corrosive, and may be manufactured of any of a host of
materials with such properties. One such material which may be
employed for this function is stainless steel. The scrubber system
10 is a plurality of interconnected modules, each having a function
or functions to perform. The portable odor scrubber system 10 is
designed to fit in the aperture which is currently covered by a
manhole cover or the like. The instant invention system 10 may also
be employed in a lift station. From bottom to top of FIG. 1 are
several interconnected modules. First, there are three filtration
scrubbing modules, a first module 50, a second module 60 and a
third module 70, and located above the third module 70 is a fan
module 80 which creates a low pressure area which causes the gasses
in the sewer to flow through the filtration scrubbing modules 21.
The first module 50 has a plurality of gas or vapor inlet holes 18
located about the lower half of the cylindrical sidewall 50a. The
bottom 16 of the first module 50 is circular and forms the bottom
of the cylindrical sidewall 50a. The bottom 16 also has a plurality
of gas or vapor inlet holes 18, which will best be seen in FIG. 2A.
The first module 50 is filled with filtering granules. These
filtering granules (not shown) start the process of remediation of
the air impregnated with sewage vapors and other noxious gas and
entrained particulates. The top 55 of the first module 50 includes
a plurality of exit holes (not shown) to allow the now partially
treated sewage gas to enter the second module 60.
[0017] Located directly above the first module 50 is the second
module 60. The second module 60 is also cylindrical and has the
same diameter of the first module 50. The second module 60 also has
a circular bottom 65 and includes a plurality of inlet holes (not
shown) to allow the partially treated sewage gas to move upward by
action of the fan 90 into the second module 60 for further
treatment. The second module is filled with scrubbing beads. These
scrubbing beads (not shown) continue the process of remediation of
the air impregnated with sewage vapors and other noxious gas and
entrained particulates. The top 67 of the second module 60 includes
a plurality of exit holes (not shown) to allow the now further
remediated sewage gas with more of the chemicals and adulterants
which cause foul odors removed to enter the third module 70 again
being pulled upwardly by the fan 90.
[0018] Located directly above the second module 60 is the third
module 70. The third module 70 is also cylindrical and has the same
diameter of the first module 50 and the second module 60. The third
module 70 also has a circular bottom 75 and includes a plurality of
inlet holes (not shown) to allow the further remediated sewage gas
to move into the third module 60 for final treatment. The third
module is filled with an oxidant. The oxidant (not shown) completes
the process of remediation of the air impregnated with sewage
vapors and other noxious gas and entrained particulates. The top 77
of the third module 70 includes a plurality of exit holes (not
shown) to allow the completely treated sewage gas, which is
considered clean enough to enter the environment, to enter the fan
module 80.
[0019] The first filtration module 50, the second filtration module
60 and the third filtration module 70 are generally mounted in such
an arrangement as shown, and may be referred to in total as the
filtration modules 21. Although the three filtration modules
described above have specific chemical and/or mechanical filter
media specific for the anticipated gas(es) to be encountered, other
chemical and or mechanical filter medial may be employed. The
filter modules are interchangeable and are stackable to facilitate
the use of multiple filters. Each of the filtration substances,
granules, beads and the oxidant are housed in disposable cartridges
that are stacked on one another within modules 21 and housed in
rugged outer shell 11.
[0020] The fan module 80 is located on top 77 of the third module
70. The fan module 80 is also cylindrical and is attached to the
combination of the first module 50, the second module 60 and the
third module 70, by a pair of quick release attachment means, 12
and 13 respectively. Other means may be employed to attach the fan
module 80 to the three filtration modules 21. The fan module 80
also has a circular bottom element 85 and a circular top element
87. The circular bottom element 85 also has a plurality of entry
holes to allow the now treated air to pass into the fan module 85.
The lower portion of the fan module 80 has tapered walls 86 that
taper upwardly toward the centrally disposed fan 90. At the bottom
of the fan is a sensor for hydrogen sulfide 92. It is electrically
connected to a sensor module 24, which includes a sensor
electronics package and a programmable control module. The
electrical power module 100 includes a battery 110, along with
other power elements which will be discussed later. The battery 110
also powers the fan 90. When the fan 90 is activated it creates an
area of low pressure at the top of the filtration modules 21 which
causes a force to act on the air impregnated with sewage vapors and
other noxious gas and entrained particulates. This force pulls the
air impregnated with sewage vapors and other noxious gas and
entrained particulates through the filtration modules 21, from the
bottom 16, through the vapor inlet holes 18, through each of the
scrubber modules, 50, 60 and 70, and out the top 77 causing the
once noxious air to be remediated. The fan 90 may be a linear fan,
but it is not limited to such. The fan 90 is mounted below the
circular top element 87 of the fan module 80. The fan 90 mounting
means is shown in more detail in FIG. 3A.
[0021] The fan module 80 includes a pressure differential monometer
meter, or other pressure differential monitoring unit, (best seen
in FIG. 5) which may read, record and transmit the pressure
differentials at each of, or through all of, the filtration modules
21. As the contaminated air becomes remediated, the filters and
scrubbers become filled with the materials which are removed from
the contaminated air. This would be detected by the pressure
differential monometer as an increase in the pressure difference
between one of, or all of the filtration modules 21. This indicates
that one of, two of, or all of the filtration modules 21 will
require replacement in order to maintain the efficiency of the
filtration module(s) 21. Replacement of the modules is very easy,
as they are held together by quick release attachment means 12 and
13. The portable odor scrubber system 10 may be pulled out of the
manhole allowing access to the filtration modules 21 which are to
be replaced. Once the quick release attachment means 12 and 13 are
opened, the old filtration modules 21 are removed and replaced by a
new set of filtration modules 21, and the quick release attachment
means 12 and 13 would be closed securing the new filtration modules
21 on the portable odor scrubber system 10. The portable odor
scrubber system 10 would then be placed back down the manhole. The
replaced filtration modules 21 may be disposed of, recycled or
refurbished for further use. It has further been considered
possible that the filtration modules 21 may be replaced in situ,
when such an operation is possible and advisable.
[0022] The portable odor scrubber system 10 may include "smart
elements". These include the pressure differential monometer,
sensors for detecting the chemical composition of the vapors,
gasses, and entrained particles located in the sewer lines, sensors
for detecting battery condition, sensors for detecting fan
condition as well as a host of other devices. These would be
connected to a sensor electronics package and a programmable
control module. Additionally two-way communication between the
portable odor scrubber system 10 and an off site monitoring station
may be performed by SCADA or cellular phone systems. The acronym
SCADA stands for Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition. The
primary purpose of SCADA is to monitor and control a device or
regional operating system from a central location. The present
invention includes means to monitor any number of portable odor
scrubbing systems 10.
[0023] The programmable control module includes a microprocessor
and storage device for locally storing data generated by the
sensors. The data generated may be transmitted to a receiver at a
remote off site monitoring to allow remote supervision of the
portable odor scrubber system 10, and allow rapid response to
maintenance or other requirements.
[0024] Another aspect of the fan module 80 is the
inter-connectivity between the sensors for detecting known harmful
vapors, gasses, and entrained particles located in the sewer lines
prior and during the passage of said contaminated air through the
air filtration modules 21. If the contaminant composition sensors
indicate that the air in the sewer lines no longer pose a hazard,
or are no longer malodorous, the fan 90 will be turned off to save
battery 110 life as well as the filtration modules 21 lifespan.
[0025] The power module 100 is also cylindrical, and a circular top
102 and circular bottom 104. The power module 100 is affixed to the
top of the fan module 87 by another pair of quick release
attachment means, 14 and 15 respectively. In the fan module 80
below the power module 100, the lower portion of the fan module
tapers 86 upwardly toward the fan 90. The fan 90 evacuates the
remediated air through an exhaust flute 105 which is a circular
opening formed on the top of the fan 90 to the outside environment.
The cylindrical exhaust flute 105 is centrally located in the power
module 100. At the top of the exhaust flute 105 is a screen 125
which prevents materials from falling into the portable odor
scrubber system 10. The arrangement of modules 50, 60, 70, 80 and
100 provides an air communication route from the sewer to the
atmosphere. The fan 90 first pulls the untreated air through
treatment modules 50, 60, 70 as described above, and then pushes
the treated air out through the exhaust flute 105. The fan 90, the
treatment modules 50, 60, 70, the center of the fan and the exhaust
flute 105 form an air passageway 300.
[0026] The power module 100 includes a 6 Volt battery power source
110 which powers the fan 90, the hydrogen sulfide sensor 92, the
sensor module 24 which further includes an electronics package and
a programmable control module. A 110 volt AC inlet 115 is connected
to a converter box 120 which acts to charge the battery 110.
Although the battery 110 has been selected to be 6 volts, other
batteries with different voltages may be employed to power the
electrical systems, as different embodiments of the instant
invention may have different power requirements. Additionally,
different countries have different standard AC voltages and the
instant invention has considered that the AC inlet may not be
solely 110V but may be another voltage, and the converter box 120
would be modified to accommodate any AC voltage which may be
utilized. It has further been considered that a solar panel may be
mated with the portable odor scrubber system 10 to provide for
recharging the battery 110 and to also power other systems which
may be employed in different embodiments and applications of the
invention. Both line power or external battery power may be also
utilized to recharge the battery 110 or power the portable odor
scrubber system 10. The interrelationship between the power
systems, sensor systems and communication systems will be best seen
in FIG. 5.
[0027] The portable odor scrubber system 10 includes a linear
series of interlocking or inter-fitting cylindrical elements which
would be placed down an uncovered manhole or other location, where
it would be removably mounted by a bail, hanger, or other support
or suspension means (not shown). This allows the portable odor
scrubber system 10 to be portable and deployable at different
locations depending on operational requirements. Other means to
suspend the portable odor scrubber system 10 may be provided
depending on the location which is desired to be treated. Under
certain circumstances, the portable odor scrubber system 10 may be
permanently mounted in the manhole using appropriate permanent
mounting means.
[0028] One embodiment of the portable odor scrubbing system 10 is
comprised of a series of interlocking or inter-fitting cylindrical
modules as shown in FIG. 1. The portable odor scrubber system 10,
however, under certain circumstances, be comprised of a series of
interlocking square, rectangular or other geometrically shaped
modules, which would allow for a greater diversity of
applications.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 2, a side view of the filtration
modules 21 is shown. In this embodiment, there are three different
filter/scrubbing modules shown in stacked relation. From the bottom
to the top, they include a first module 50, a second module 60, and
a third module 70.
[0030] The first module 50 has a sidewall 50a which includes a
plurality of vapor inlet holes 18. The first module 50 also
includes a bottom 16 (shown best in FIG. 2A) which also includes a
plurality of vapor inlet holes 18. The first module 50 in this
embodiment is filled with filtering granules. There exists a great
deal of different filtering media which is well known. Although the
first module 50 employs filtering granules as its
filtering/scrubbing media, it is in no way solely limited to that
media. The top 55 of the first module 50 interconnects with the
bottom 65 of the second module 60.
[0031] The bottom 65 of the second module 60 is in fluid
communication with the first module 50 about the top 55. This
permits the air inducted into the filtration modules by the fan 90
to pass from the first module 50 to the second module 60. The
second module 60 is filled with scrubbing beads. Although the
second module 60 employs scrubbing beads as its filtering/scrubbing
media, it is in no way limited to that media. The top 67 of the
second module 60 interconnects with the bottom 75 of the third
module 70.
[0032] The bottom 75 of the third module 70 is in fluid
communication with the second module 60 about the top 67. This
permits the air inducted into the filtration modules by the fan 90
to pass from the first module 50 to the second module 60 and then
through the third module 70. The third module 70 is filled with an
oxidant. Although the third module 70 employs an oxidant as its
filtering/scrubbing media, it is in no way limited to that media.
The top 77 of the third module 70 interconnects with the fan module
80. A portion of the quick connect elements 12 and 13 permit the
rapid connection and disconnection of the filtration modules 21 to
the fan module 80.
[0033] Referring now to FIG. 2A, a bottom view of the portable odor
scrubber system 10 is shown. The bottom 16 of the portable odor
scrubber system 10 is shown having a plurality of vapor inlet holes
18. The plurality of vapor inlet holes 18 will most likely be one
of the elements of the portable odor scrubber system that will be
most susceptible to corrosion. As such, these elements, as well as
other corrosion susceptible elements may be coated with an
anti-corrosive compound to increase their lifespan.
[0034] FIG. 3 shows the fan module 80 located on top 77 of the
third module 70. The fan module 80 is also cylindrical and is
attached to the combination of the first module 50, the second
module 60 and the third module 70, by a pair of quick release
attachment means, 12 and 13 respectively. Other means may be
employed to attach the fan module 80 to the three filtration
modules 21. The fan module 80 also has a circular bottom element 85
and a circular top element 87. The circular bottom element 85 also
has a plurality of entry holes to allow the now treated air to pass
into the fan module 85. The lower portion of the fan module 80
includes a tapered sidewall 86 which terminates proximal the
centrally disposed fan 90. The fan 90 preferably runs on direct
current provided by the battery 110 and may be comprised of plastic
or other non-corrosive material. Alternatively or additionally, the
fan 90 may be treated with an anti-corrosive agent to extend its
lifetime. At the bottom of the fan is a sensor for hydrogen sulfide
92. It is electrically connected 24a to a sensor module 24, which
includes a sensor electronics package and a programmable control
module. The electrical power module 100 includes a battery 110,
along with other power elements which will be discussed later. The
battery 110 also powers the fan 90. When the fan 90 is activated it
creates an area of low pressure at the top of the filtration
modules 21 which causes a force to act on the air impregnated with
sewage vapors and other noxious gas and entrained particulates.
This force pulls the air impregnated with sewage vapors and other
noxious gas and entrained particulates through the filtration
modules 21, from the bottom 16, through the vapor inlet holes 18,
through each of the scrubber modules, 50, 60 and 70, and out the
top 77 of the filtration modules 21 causing the once noxious air to
be remediated. The fan 90 may be a linear fan, but it is not
limited to such. The fan 90 is mounted on the circular top element
87 of the fan module 80. The fan 90 mounting means is shown in more
detail in FIG. 3A.
[0035] The fan module 80 includes a pressure differential monometer
meter, or other pressure differential monitoring unit, (best seen
in FIG. 5) which may read, record and transmit the pressure
differentials at each of, or through all of, the filtration modules
21. As the contaminated air becomes remediated, the filters and
scrubbers become filled with the materials which are removed from
the contaminated air. This would be detected by the pressure
differential monometer as an increase in the pressure difference
between one of, or all of the filtration modules 21. This indicates
that one of, two of, or all of the filtration modules 21 will
require replacement in order to maintain the filtration module(s)
21 efficiency. Replacement of the modules is very easy, as they are
held together by quick release attachment means 12 and 13. The
portable odor scrubber system 10 may be pulled out of the manhole
allowing access to the filtration modules 21 which are to be
replaced. Once the quick release attachment means 12 and 13 are
opened, the old filtration modules 21 are removed and replaced by a
new set of filtration modules 21, and the quick release attachment
means 12 and 13 would be closed securing the new filtration modules
21 on the portable odor scrubber system 10. The portable odor
scrubber system 10 would then be placed back down the manhole. The
replaced filtration modules 21 may be disposed of, recycled or
refurbished for further use. It has further been considered
possible that the filtration modules 21 may be replaced in situ,
when such an operation is possible and advisable.
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 3A, the top 87 of the fan module 80 is
shown. Fan 90 is shown affixed to the top 87 of fan module 80 by a
plurality of mechanical fasteners 96. Other fastening means may be
employed to secure the fan 90 in position. Centrally located
through the fan 90 is an exhaust flute 105 through which the
remediated air passes on its way to the surface environment. The
sensor module 24 is connected to the hydrogen sulfide sensor 92 by
connecting element 25. Connecting element 25 permits a signal to be
sent from the hydrogen sulfide sensor 92 to the sensor module 24
when it detects the presence of a certain level of hydrogen sulfide
gas. When the presence of hydrogen sulfide gas is detected above a
certain preselected level, the fan 90 is automatically turned on
until the levels of the gas return to a safe level.
[0037] Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 4A, both a cut away side view
and a top view of the power module 100 is shown respectfully. The
power module 100 is also cylindrical, and a circular top 102 and
circular bottom 104. The power module 100 is affixed to the top of
the fan module 87 by another pair of quick release attachment
means, 14 and 15 respectively. An exhaust flute 105 forms an air
pathway directly from the exit of fan 90 to the outside
environment. Covering the exhaust flute 105 on the top 102 is
screen 125. An AC electrical inlet 115 is provided. The AC
electrical inlet 115 is connected to a converter box 120. The
converter box 120 converts alternating current to direct current
and is used to recharge the battery 110. The battery 110 then would
power the fan 90, the on-board sensors, microprocessor and control
systems, data monitoring and storage systems, as well as a
communication module which transmits sensor readings, data, and
status of the modules and systems of the portable odor scrubber
system 10 to a remote monitoring station. The communication module
on the portable odor scrubber system 10 can also receive
instructions, commands, and other interrogatory signals from the
remote monitoring station. The interrogator signals would query the
status of on-board sensors and systems. By use of the remote
communication capability one may ascertain if the portable odor
scrubber system 10 is functioning properly, requires maintenance of
sensors or systems, replacement of filter modules as well as a host
of other information. The portable odor scrubber system 10 would
also have the capacity to contact the remote monitoring station
should there be any functional difficulties with systems or
sensors, filter replacement, or power difficulties.
[0038] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the control systems,
communication systems, sensor systems and data storage systems of
the portable odor scrubber system 10. The lines between each of the
blocks of the diagram indicate inter-connection of the devices as
well as the ability to communicate or send signals throughout the
communication, control, sensors and other elements of the
invention. The charger 115 is connected to the power converter
module 120. This permits alternating current to be converted to
direct current in order to charge the battery 110. In the case
where a solar panel is deployed as an alternate power source, the
battery 110 may be charged directly from the solar panel. A battery
sensor 150 is provided to detect the condition and charge of the
battery 110. If the charge of the battery 110 is running low, the
controller 200 would command that the battery 110 be charged by the
aforementioned systems, or communicate through data
transmitter/transceiver 220 to a remote off site monitoring station
230 (which also includes a transmitter/transceiver) the portable
odor scrubber system 10 requires battery 110 maintenance and could
alert an appropriate authority to go on-site to repair or recharge
the battery 110. A pressure sensor-filter monitor 160 is connected
to the controller 200. The pressure sensor-filter monitor 160 may
include a pressure differential monometer meter which would monitor
the pressure differential from the entry to the exit of the
combined air filtration modules 21. As the combined air filtration
module 21 removes the contaminants from the contaminated air, they
begin to lose their efficiency as the contaminants clog the path
and exhaust the chemical scrubbing agents. Once the pressure
differential reaches a preselected level, a signal will be sent to
the controller 200, which would communicate this information
through the data transmitter/transceiver 220 to the to a remote off
site monitoring station 230 that the portable odor scrubber system
10 requires filter/scrubber module 21 maintenance or replacement
and could alert an appropriate authority to go on-site to conduct
such activities.
[0039] A gas sensor pump 155 obtains a sample of the downhole air
which is passed to a gas sensor 92. The gas sensor 92 may detect
hydrogen sulfide, or depending on the specific application, some
other gas. When the gas sensor 92 detects gas above a preset value,
the gas sensor 82 sends a signal to the controller 200 which would
actuate the fan 90. At this point, due to the action of the fan 90,
contaminated air is pulled up through the vent holes 18 at the
bottom of the air filtration modules 21, and remediation of the
contaminated air begins to take place. Once, the remediated air
leaves the air filtration modules 21 it is exhausted through
exhaust flute 105 to the outside environment. The gas sensor pump
155 will continue to sample the downhole contaminated air and if
and when a point is reached, where the gas sensor 92 indicates that
the level of contamination has is no longer above a preset value, a
signal will be sent to the controller 200 to turn the fan 90 off.
This has the advantage of not running the fan 90 continuously,
increasing its duty life, as well as reducing the power
requirements on the battery 110. By not continuously running the
fan 90, the filter and scrubber media located internally in the air
filtration monitors 21 may also have an increased lifespan. Other
devices may be employed to sample the downhole contaminated gasses
such as a solenoid valve or a air pump.
[0040] A data storage device 210 is also provided connected to the
microprocessor/controller 200 and through that element to the rest
of the control systems, communication systems, and sensor systems
to permit logging of data which are generated by those systems for
information gathering purposes.
[0041] The communications and data transmission element
(transmitter/transceiver) 220 located on the portable odor scrubber
system 10 is in communication by any wireless method 240 to an
offsite transmitter/transceiver 230 and monitoring station. Data
and signals may be sent from data transmission element
(transmitter/transceiver) 220 to the offsite
transmitter/transceiver 230 according to a preset schedule or when
pre-programmed conditions are met in the controller of the portable
odor scrubber system 10. Additionally, interrogatory signals may be
sent from the offsite monitoring station to the portable odor
scrubber system 10, inquiring as to the status of any of the
systems which are being monitored by the plurality of sensors
onboard. The data storage device 210 may store any salient
information, time when the fan 90 is on or off, average time for
filter/scrubber replacement and any of a variety of other metrics.
This would enable the operators to predict when maintenance may
need to be performed, especially on an odor scrubber system that
remains in one location for a period of time.
[0042] It can clearly be seen in FIG. 5, that the charger 115, the
power converter module 120, the battery 110, the battery sensor
160, the pressure sensor/filter monitor 160, the gas sensor 92, the
gas sensor pump 155, the fan 90, the data storage 210, the
microprocessor/controller 200 and the data
transmitter/communications module 220, the data
transmitter/communications module antenna 222, are all
interconnected by one path or another, permitting signals to be
sent from any of the above components to any other of the above
components, the signals causing the any of the above elements to
perform their function. Additionally, the offsite external
transceiver 230 and the offsite external transceiver antenna 232
through any wireless method 240 possesses the same capabilities,
except from a remote location.
[0043] It is to be understood that the preceding is merely a
detailed description of the invention, and that alterations to the
disclosed invention can be made in accordance with the disclosure
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The
preceding description is not meant to limit the scope of the
invention. The scope of the invention is to be determined by the
appended claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *